Compare Xanax vs. Restoril

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Xanax (alprazolam)

Prescription only

Restoril (Temazepam)

Prescription only
Helps you relax.

Xanax (alprazolam) effectively treats occasional or short-term anxiety and panic attacks. Compared to similar drugs, it is more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms and can have more interactions with some medicines.

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3.9/ 5 average rating with 1287 reviewsforXanax
Helps you relax and sleep.

Restoril (Temazepam) is a good short-term option to help you sleep, but it shouldn't replace good sleep habits.

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3.9/ 5 average rating with 51 reviewsforRestoril
Upsides
  • Xanax (alprazolam) can be used to manage anxiety associated with depression.
  • Works very quickly - in hours.
  • Available in generic.
  • Helps you fall asleep and stay asleep.
  • Can be helpful to reduce anxiety.
  • Shouldn't make you drowsy the next day as long as you're using normal doses of it.
Downsides
  • Use of Xanax (alprazolam) can cause memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.
  • Xanax (alprazolam) can be habit-forming, so it's not typically used for long-term treatment.
  • Compared to other similar drugs, Xanax (alprazolam) is more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms if you take it for a long time and then stop suddenly.
  • If you have liver problems, Xanax (alprazolam) may not be the best choice since it is processed by the liver. Several drugs can also interfere with how Xanax (alprazolam) works. Talk to your doctor to see if Xanax (alprazolam) is right for you.
  • Can be habit-forming, meaning you'll start to rely on Restoril (Temazepam) to sleep.
  • Your body can get used to Restoril (Temazepam) and it may not work as well long-term.
  • It's not recommended for people age 65 years or older.
  • Can't be used by pregnant women since it'll cause harm to the baby.
  • If it's used everyday for more than 2 to 4 weeks and you decide to stop taking Restoril (Temazepam), you'll need to work with your doctor to slowly get off the drug to avoid extra side effects.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Liquid
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$13.29
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Lowest price
$7.67
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Reviews
1287 reviews so far
74%
saidit'sworth it
55%
saiditworked well
13%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Xanax (alprazolam)?

Leave a review
51 reviews so far
65%
saidit'sworth it
55%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Restoril (Temazepam)?

Leave a review
Side effects
24possible side effects
  • Drowsiness
    41%
  • Lightheadedness
    21%
  • Dry mouth
    15%
  • Depression
    14%
  • Headache
    13%
  • Confusion
    10%
  • Constipation
    10%
  • Diarrhea
    10%
  • Nausea/vomiting
    10%
  • Difficulty sleeping
    9%
  • Fast heartbeat
    8%
  • Nasal congestion
    7%
  • Blurry vision
    6%
  • Low blood pressure
    5%
  • Nervousness
    4%
  • Increased salivation
    4%
  • Muscle rigidity
    4%
  • Tremor
    4%
  • Skin irritation/allergy
    4%
  • Fainting
    3%
  • Weight gain
    3%
  • Dizziness
    2%
  • Restlessness
    2%
  • Weight loss
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Restoril (Temazepam) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Decreased breathing from use with opioids
    • Taking Xanax (alprazolam) with opioids, drugs or alcohol
    • Using Xanax (alprazolam) for a longer duration and at high doses
  • Dependence and withdrawal
    • History of substance abuse
    • Taking with alcohol or drugs
    • Taking more than 4 mg/day or longer than 12 weeks
    • Stopping Xanax (alprazolam) suddenly
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • Severe depression
  • Driving impairment
    • Taking with alcohol or drugs
  • Drug interactions
    • Current liver problems
    • Taking medicines such as antifungals, cimetidine, or some HIV medicines
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Tolerance and dependence
    • Taking more than the prescribed dose
    • Taking longer than 4 weeks
    • History of drug abuse
  • Withdrawal
    • Long-term use
  • Harm to fetus
    • Women of childbearing age
  • Driving impairment
    • Alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
  • Memory problems
  • Falls
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking with other drugs that acts in the brain
    • Age 65 or older
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Xanax (alprazolam)
Learn more about Restoril (Temazepam)